Marines rock royal rumble

Photo By Sgt. Emmanuel Ramos | Michael Molina, a U.S. Marine, red trunks, takes aim for a right hook on his opponent Rudy Hughes, a British Royal Marine, blue trunks, during the final event of the Virginia Gauntlet Sports Tour 2012 at Marine Corps Base Quantico, May 1.
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QUANTICO, VA, UNITED STATES

05.01.2012

MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. – With the British Royal Marines winning the All Marine rugby and soccer matches, it was the U.S. Marines’ last chance to win one for the red, white and blue in this year’s Royal Marine Sports Tour.

“I hadn’t seen much of them [the British boxing team] but our plan was to come at them fast and strong,” said Ruben Woodrow, a coach for the All Marine Boxing team. “Our guys gave it all they had and I was very pleased with their performance.”

Kicking off the night was an electrifying performance between Joseph Canale, All Marine Boxer, and Lewis Dugan, Royal Marine Boxer, which after three, two-minute rounds, came down to a unanimous decision for Canale.

“It felt great getting that first win,” Woodrow said. “It pumped up our other boxers and really set the tone for the rest of the night.”

The matches that followed showed more aggressive British boxers hungry to avenge the first loss and they won the next three bouts.

“Seeing my mate lose that first match fired me up,” said William Skene, a Royal Marine Boxer. “It was my turn to win one for the Royals.”

After a quick intermission, and a talk from their coaches, the All Marine team came out determined to win the rest of the Matches.

“I just told them to stay focused and keep their head in the fight,” Woodrow said.

The most exhilarating performance of the night was the final bout between Darnell Price, an All Marine Boxer, and Anthony Graham, a Royal Marine Boxer.

“I’m ready for this,” Price said with a stone cold look on his face. “I’m going to take care of business. He’s going to regret getting into the ring with me.”

As promised, Price was bobbing and weaving, forcing his opponent to open up. Price struck with the force of a sledge hammer.

Price’s speed and power took its toll on Graham. After failing to protect himself, the referee called the match in the second round awarding Price with a technical knockout.

“It’s been a great past few weeks with some outstanding performances,” said Lt. Gen. Richard P. Mills, commanding general for Marine Corps Combat Development Command. “Building a relationship off the battlefield only strengthens our bond for when we are on the battlefield.”